Sheffield golfer Joe Dean, the final competitor to secure a place in The 154th Open Championship, is humorously suggesting he might need to pitch a tent after winning the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier at Royal Birkdale. Dean's impressive two-under-par round of 68 on Monday saw him clinch the last spot in golf's oldest major by a single shot, overcoming 11 other hopefuls.
The 268th-ranked golfer admitted that finding accommodation in the Southport area has proven difficult, with many hotels fully booked ahead of the prestigious tournament. "We were fortunate to get a hotel room last night but everywhere else is booked," Dean stated, before quipping, "With the weather like it is I could probably pitch a tent next to the putting green." He even referenced the 2024 Troon event, suggesting he might look for a camper van park or even sleep in his car if necessary.
Dean's journey to The Open is a remarkable one. After turning professional in 2016 and making the cut in his Open debut at Birkdale the following year, his career trajectory saw him combine limited playing opportunities with a job as a Morrisons delivery driver. A runner-up finish at the 2024 Kenya Open marked his return to the DP World Tour full-time, where he has since recorded two top-10 finishes in his last three starts. He was initially pipped in a play-off during final qualifying for The Open, but this near miss secured him a place in the new Last Chance Qualifier.
The Last Chance Qualifier itself proved to be a success for organisers, the R&A, drawing unexpectedly large crowds to Royal Birkdale on Monday morning. The format, which saw 12 golfers compete over 18 holes for the final spot, generated considerable interest, particularly with the inclusion of popular YouTuber Wesley Bryan. Spectators, typically sparse for early Monday starts, flocked to the course, drawn by the competitive golf and the presence of social media stars.
Dean is now set to play alongside 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson and American Max Homa in the first two rounds. Beyond the tournament, Dean has another significant event on the horizon: he is scheduled to marry his caddie, Emily, the Tuesday after The Open. "A week off would have made the wedding a bit easier but The Open is a good excuse to liven things up a little bit," he commented, smiling at the prospect.